Full definition of autonym
Noun
- (taxonomy) An infraspecific name in which the species epithet is repeated.
- (linguistics, anthropology) A name used by a group or category of people to refer to themselves or their language, as opposed to a name given to them by other groups.Deutsche is the autonym of the people known in English as Germans.
- The true name of a person or other entity, especially an author.
- 1900, Mr. Barnwell, "Cataloging Roundtable", in Library Journal, page 157My reason for opposing is that I think, as a general principle, the heading of the main entry of the book should be in the form in which the book itself is published; that is, if it is published under an autonym let the autonym be given, if under a pseudonym, then let the pseudonym be given, and if the book be anonymous, then let the fact be stated.
